Coronation Street will highlight the impact of loneliness on older people – when Audrey Roberts tells friends she tried to take her own life.
Audrey, played by Sue Nicholls, will reveal an overdose that left her in hospital last month was not an accident, as she had claimed to her doctor.
In emotional scenes to be shown next Monday, she confides in Roy, Rita, Claudia and Ken that the upsetting incident was in fact a suicide attempt.
She says that she misses her late husband Alf and has been feeling increasingly lonely. She also admits to feeling depressed as her eyesight deteriorates, and has turned to drink.
Audrey tells them: “I’d toss and turn all night, then finally drop off just when I should be up and at ,em.
“Seizing the day? Huh! Spend the afternoons on the sauvignon blanc, wondering exactly what I’m good for.”
Actress Sue, 78, said: “Dr Gaddas prescribed her antidepressants but she doesn’t take them. Luckily, talking to her long-standing friends, they persuade her to take the doctor’s advice. I do hope this storyline helps older people reach out and start talking about how they feel.”
Recent ONS statistics show that around 1.2 million older people in the UK say they often feel lonely.
The storyline ties in with the latest campaign in ITV ’s mental health initiative, Britain Get Talking.
Jacqui Morrissey, of the Samaritans, said: “Talking about the problems you’re facing can make a massive difference.”
Caroline Abrahams, of Age UK, added: “Audrey may be a fictional character, but sadly we know that her situation is reflected in real life difficulties.”
- The Samaritans can be contacted free on 116 123, or Age UK on 0800 678 1602.
